The Best New Anime Series Ranked

Japanese animation, or anime, has seen huge growth lately, with many new shows pushing boundaries and attracting fans worldwide. Between 2023 and early 2026, a lot of exciting original series have emerged, covering everything from fast-paced action and dramatic stories to grand fantasy adventures. Streaming services have played a big role in this, helping diverse shows – like those about cooking in dungeons or spooky supernatural mysteries – quickly gain popularity internationally. This list highlights the most important new anime series from this period, judging them on how well they were received by critics, their overall production quality, and their influence on culture.

‘Ninja Kamui’ (2024)

This new Adult Swim series, directed by Sunghoo Park, is packed with intense action and a story fueled by revenge. It centers on Joe Higan, a former ninja who tried to leave his violent past behind for a quiet life in America. But when assassins kill his family, he’s forced to return to his skills and take down the powerful, technologically advanced group that wronged him. The show is known for its incredibly realistic and fast-paced fight scenes, combining classic ninja style with a futuristic, cyberpunk look.

‘Wistoria: Wand and Sword’ (2024)

This action-packed fantasy anime takes place in a world powered by magic, but follows Will Serfort, a boy born without any magical abilities. Determined to keep a promise he made as a child, Will attends an elite magic academy and strives to become a top student, relying on his incredible strength and swordsmanship to compete with those who can cast spells. The series is known for its exciting fight scenes, which emphasize the difference between physical power and magical abilities. It also thoughtfully examines themes of never giving up and the challenges of social inequality in a society where success is based solely on skill.

‘Gushing over Magical Girls’ (2024)

This series offers a fresh take on the magical girl genre by flipping the script: Utena Hiiragi, a girl who always looked up to heroines, is unexpectedly forced to play the role of a villain. Surprisingly, she finds she enjoys being dominant over the magical girls, creating a funny and often suggestive twist on typical storylines. The show is known for its bold use of playful, suggestive humor, but it also features impressive animation and well-developed characters. It manages to balance its provocative premise with heartwarming friendships and exciting battles.

‘Alya Sometimes Hides Her Feelings in Russian’ (2024)

Okay, so I just finished watching this adorable romantic comedy, and it’s seriously charming. It centers around Masachika and his classmate, Alisa, who has this cute habit of flirting with him… in Russian! Here’s the fun part: Masachika totally understands her, but he plays dumb to keep their playful banter going. It’s a really clever dynamic, and honestly, the way they interact is just delightful. Plus, the animation from Doga Kobo is bright and bubbly, perfectly matching the lighthearted tone. If you’re looking for a sweet and funny slice-of-life anime, this one definitely stands out.

‘My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999’ (2023)

Akane Kinoshita is heartbroken after discovering her boyfriend was unfaithful with someone he met online. She starts playing a massive multiplayer game to cope, and unexpectedly meets Akito Yamada, a calm and skilled gamer. Their initial encounter blossoms into a sweet romance that explores the connection between their online and real-life selves. This series offers a fresh take on classic shoujo romance, mixing the world of gaming with realistic and complex relationships. The animation studio Madhouse beautifully portrays the lively atmosphere of online gaming and the gradual development of intimacy between Akane and Akito.

‘Shangri-La Frontier’ (2023–2024)

Sunraku is a gamer known for conquering flawed and buggy games, but he takes on the highly-rated VRMMO Shangri-La Frontier for a new challenge. Using his knowledge of how games break, he explores the massive world, discovering hidden secrets and defeating powerful monsters that others couldn’t. The anime is praised for its exciting action and detailed look at gaming concepts. It’s a celebration of video games, highlighting the fun of discovery and becoming skilled at complex game systems.

‘Mashle: Magic and Muscles’ (2023–2024)

Mash Burnedead lives in a world where magical ability is everything, but he was born without any. Instead, he’s incredibly strong. He attends a magic academy hoping to become a powerful figure by overcoming challenges with his physical strength, all to protect his quiet life with his father. The series playfully pokes fun at stories like Harry Potter and common action anime tropes, using dry humor and over-the-top displays of power. Its memorable music and silly comedy quickly made it a hit when it aired.

‘Wind Breaker’ (2024)

Haruka Sakura only cares about challenging the toughest fighters, so he joins Furin High School, a school known for its rebellious students. He soon realizes these students aren’t just troublemakers – they’re actually protecting their town from danger. The story changes from a pursuit of strength to a tale about finding a place to belong and understanding the importance of using power responsibly. The animation, created by CloverWorks, is particularly impressive, making the fight scenes feel powerful and realistic.

‘Undead Unluck’ (2023–2024)

Fuuko Izumo has a dangerous touch that brings bad luck to others, causing her to try to end her life. She meets Andy, a man who’s lived forever and now desperately wants to die. Together, they team up with a group of people who have unique abilities that let them negate things, and they decide to fight against God and the very rules of their world. The story is praised for its complex power system and the clever ways characters use their abilities in battles. The animation studio, David Production, captures the fast-paced, energetic feel of the original story perfectly.

‘Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead’ (2023)

Akira Tendo hates his boring office job, so when a zombie outbreak happens, he’s surprisingly thrilled! Instead of trying to survive, he makes a list of 100 things he wants to experience before he turns into a zombie and sets off on a journey across Japan. The show is visually striking, using bright, colorful zombies against a dark backdrop, and playfully critiques the pressures of modern work life. Ultimately, it’s an exciting and heartfelt story about finding joy and purpose, even in the face of the apocalypse.

‘Makeine: Too Many Losing Heroines!’ (2024)

Kazuhiko Nukumizu keeps getting caught up in the drama after popular girls at his school are rejected. This funny and heartwarming series flips the usual romance story by focusing on the girls who don’t get the guy – the ones typically left behind. Praised for its beautiful animation and clever take on romantic comedy clichés, the show is both hilarious and surprisingly touching, showing both the pain and strength of its characters.

‘The Elusive Samurai’ (2024)

I was completely captivated by this historical series! It centers around Hojo Tokiyuki, a young lord who has his world turned upside down when his family is betrayed. He’s not a strong fighter, but he has this incredible, almost supernatural ability to escape any situation, and he uses it to not only survive but to eventually try and take back what was lost. What really struck me was the animation – CloverWorks did an amazing job blending traditional Japanese art with really dynamic, energetic movements. It’s a fresh take on what it means to be a hero; it’s not about brute force, but about being clever, resourceful, and knowing when to avoid a fight.

‘Skip and Loafer’ (2023)

Mitsumi Iwakura is a bright student who comes to Tokyo from the countryside with a clear idea of how she wants her life to go, but she’s a bit naive about how things work in the city. She becomes friends with Shima Sousuke, a relaxed and well-liked classmate, and they help each other through the challenges of high school. The series is known for its realistic and heartwarming depiction of teenage friendships, without relying on over-the-top drama. The animation studio P.A. Works uses a gentle and expressive art style that perfectly matches the show’s kind and understanding mood.

‘The Dangers in My Heart’ (2023–2024)

Kyotaro Ichikawa is a solitary person with dark fantasies, initially fixated on the popular Anna Yamada. However, he soon discovers she’s actually a bit awkward and eccentric. Watching her, his dislike slowly turns into a protective affection, making for a fascinating character arc in the world of romance anime. The show is beautifully presented and portrays the growing connection between the two leads in a realistic and natural way. It cleverly moves past its potentially dark beginnings to become a sweet and relatable story about overcoming insecurities and experiencing first love.

‘Trigun Stampede’ (2023)

This new take on the beloved 90s anime centers around Vash the Stampede, a skilled gunman who avoids violence despite having a huge bounty on his head. He travels across the harsh desert planet known as No Man’s Land. Created by Studio Orange, the series uses impressive 3D animation to deliver stunning action and bring the characters to life in a way that pushes the boundaries of the art form. The story explores the sci-fi background of Vash and his brother Knives, offering a more complex and unified narrative than the original anime. It’s a visually groundbreaking show that pays tribute to the original manga while also establishing its own unique style.

‘Kaiju No. 8’ (2024)

Kafka Hibino is a 32-year-old who once dreamed of being a soldier, but now works as a cleaner. Unexpectedly, he gains the ability to transform into a powerful monster himself! He leads a double life, using his understanding of monsters and his newfound powers to fight alongside a new team of soldiers. The anime expertly mixes intense monster battles with the funny challenges of an older hero trying to keep pace with younger, more talented teammates. The animation, created by Production I.G, is dynamic and really emphasizes the massive scale of the destruction.

‘Hell’s Paradise’ (2023)

Gabimaru, a highly skilled ninja facing execution, is offered a deal: find the legendary Elixir of Life on a dangerous island, and he’ll be freed. He’s sent with other criminals, each guarded by their executioner, to compete in a deadly fight for survival against bizarre monsters and supernatural creatures. The show is visually striking with colorful, almost hallucinatory animation, but doesn’t shy away from intense violence, creating a uniquely beautiful and terrifying world. It delves into ideas about the nature of good and evil, and what it means to be human, all within a setting filled with creepy religious symbols and strange plant life.

‘Blue Box’ (2024)

Taiki Inomata, a badminton player, secretly likes Chinatsu Kano, a star basketball player. When they unexpectedly end up living together, a connection begins to form. The series is a realistic blend of sports and romance, showing how their shared passion for athletics helps them grow as individuals and athletes. It focuses on genuine teenage feelings and goals, avoiding typical over-the-top or fantastical elements. The animation style is subtle and beautifully lit, highlighting the quiet, personal moments between Taiki and Chinatsu.

‘Gachiakuta’ (2025)

Rudo is a young boy from the slums who is falsely accused of murder and thrown into the Abyss, a dangerous wasteland overrun with giant monsters made of trash. He soon learns he can bring objects to life with a special ability called “jinki.” He teams up with a group of cleaners to fight their way out of the Abyss and get revenge. The anime stands out with its unique, graffiti-style visuals and realistic, tough characters. It’s a fast-paced story that explores the gap between rich and poor and finds worth in what others throw away.

‘To Be Hero X’ (2025)

This series takes place in a world where heroes are ranked based on how popular and trusted they are by the public. It features a wide variety of characters with superpowers, all competing to be number one. The animation is unique, blending 2D and 3D styles to give each hero a memorable look, from magical girls to those who pilot giant robots. The story is full of action and mystery, while also offering a thought-provoking look at fame and what it really means to be a hero. Critics have especially praised its fresh approach to storytelling and the incredibly smooth, creative fight scenes.

‘Sakamoto Days’ (2025)

Taro Sakamoto was once a world-class hitman, but he left that life behind to marry, settle down, and run a convenience store – a change that also led to a bit of a weight gain. Now, despite looking like an ordinary shopkeeper, he has to dust off his old fighting skills to protect his family from the dangerous criminals he thought he’d escaped. The anime is known for its incredibly inventive fight scenes, which cleverly use everyday objects as weapons. It’s a unique blend of silly humor and gritty, action-packed moments.

‘Tengoku Daimakyo’ (2023)

As a huge animation fan, I’ve been completely captivated by this post-apocalyptic series. It tells two stories at once – one about kids living in what seems like a perfect, safe city, and another following Maru and Kiruko as they journey across a dangerous, monster-filled landscape searching for a place called ‘Heaven’. These stories eventually connect, and as they do, the show reveals a really complex mystery about what caused the world to fall apart and what these monsters actually are. Honestly, the animation from Production I.G is stunning – it looks like a movie! Beyond the visuals, the writing is incredibly smart, dealing with some pretty mature themes, and it does a fantastic job of balancing the scary, horror elements with exciting adventure. It’s just really gripping stuff.

‘Delicious in Dungeon’ (2024)

When a dragon swallows his sister, Laios and his companions journey into a dangerous dungeon to rescue her. Because they can’t afford supplies, they end up cooking and eating the monsters they defeat. This fantasy adventure, brought to life with stunning animation by Studio Trigger, features incredibly detailed and appetizing food, and a world built around a believable ecosystem. What starts as a funny, self-contained series gradually develops into a complex story with compelling characters, exploring themes of life and death. The show is unique thanks to its unusual concept and the careful thought put into the biology of its fantastical creatures.

‘Solo Leveling’ (2024)

This anime is based on a hugely popular Korean webcomic and tells the story of Sung Jinwoo, who is initially considered the weakest hunter. After a dangerous experience, he gains the power to grow stronger like a character in a video game. He evolves from a shy, low-ranking hunter into a powerful leader with control over shadows. The show is famous for its incredible music by Hiroyuki Sawano and the dynamic, high-quality animation created by A-1 Pictures, which perfectly brings the original story to life. It’s a landmark achievement in adapting Korean comics (manhwa) into popular Japanese anime.

‘The Summer Hikaru Died’ (2025)

Yoshiki and Hikaru have been close friends since they were kids, but when Hikaru goes missing in the mountains for a week, he comes back changed. Yoshiki soon suspects that something not human has replaced his friend. Despite being terrified, Yoshiki stays with this creature who looks like Hikaru, creating a gripping and emotionally charged thriller. The anime is known for its incredibly unsettling and isolated setting, and its sound design expertly builds a feeling of dread. It delves into difficult topics like loss, who we are, and the bonds we form, all wrapped in a chilling, cosmic horror story.

‘Pluto’ (2023)

This series is a reimagining of a classic Astro Boy story, “The Greatest Robot on Earth,” transformed into a complex murder mystery and political thriller. Detective Gesicht investigates the killings of cutting-edge robots and the people who created them, revealing a plot that could start a new war. Known for its stunning visuals and thoughtful themes, the show explores what it means to be human and how hatred can repeat itself. It’s considered a brilliant and modern take on the work of Osamu Tezuka, paying tribute to his original vision while establishing itself as a standout series.

‘Orb: On the Movements of the Earth’ (2024)

This historical drama takes place in 15th-century Europe and tells the story of brave individuals who faced terrible risks – including torture and death – to prove that the Earth orbits the Sun, a revolutionary idea that challenged the powerful teachings of the church. The series is a tense and exciting intellectual thriller, bringing to life the history of scientific breakthroughs and how knowledge is passed down through time. With a realistic and immersive visual style created by Madhouse, the show highlights the harsh realities of the period. Ultimately, it’s a moving celebration of human curiosity and the unwavering search for truth, even in the face of persecution.

‘The Apothecary Diaries’ (2023–2024)

Maomao is a practical and knowledgeable young woman skilled in both poisons and medicine. When she’s unexpectedly kidnapped and forced to work in the Emperor’s palace, her quiet life is turned upside down. She gains recognition after cleverly solving a medical mystery involving the Emperor’s children, catching the eye of the powerful eunuch Jinshi. The show blends historical intrigue with engaging, often humorous, character dynamics, all seen through the unique lens of Maomao’s fascination with toxins. Known for its beautiful visuals and meticulous attention to historical detail in its sets and costumes, it was considered a particularly well-made series when it aired.

‘【OSHI NO KO】’ (2023–2024)

The series kicks off with a long, impactful first episode that reveals the harsh realities of the Japanese entertainment world, seen through the perspective of twin brothers who have been reborn. It blends the colorful world of J-pop idols with a gripping mystery and a story of revenge, offering a critical look at the deception and exploitation common in show business. As the twins navigate their careers as actors and performers, the show’s stunning animation by Doga Kobo beautifully portrays both the glamour of the stage and the darkness hidden behind it. The series quickly became popular worldwide, earning praise for its daring storytelling and powerful emotional impact.

‘Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End’ (2023–2024)

Set after the hero’s victory over the Demon King, this fantasy anime centers on the elf mage Frieren as she comes to terms with time passing and the loss of her friends. Her new journey to learn about humans leads to a touching exploration of memories, sadness, and what we leave behind. The animation, created by Madhouse, is praised as a high standard for modern anime, with realistic character expressions, stunning scenery, and magical battles that are both beautiful and impactful. It’s quickly become one of the most highly-rated anime ever made.

2026-02-08 19:19